Slot adapter for cleaning heat exchanger system and machine using same

ABSTRACT

A machine having a heat exchanger system includes a heat exchanger guard including first and second sidewalls. The first sidewall is adjacent a core of the heat exchanger system. A first slot adapter is positioned over an opening formed in the first sidewall. The first slot adapter is vertically oriented and includes a first slot opening for receiving a compressed air cleaning wand therethrough. A cover is fixedly attached to the first slot adapter and is movable between an open position and a closed position.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to an access opening for cleaning a heat exchanger system of a machine, and more particularly to a slot adapter positioned over the access opening for receiving a compressed air cleaning wand therethrough.

BACKGROUND

Machines, such as, for example, off highway trucks, excavators, track type tractors, waste handlers, wheel loaders, scrapers and the like often operate in debris filled environments. Dust and other airborne particles are directed by the fan of the machine through the core of the heat exchanger system. These particles collect on the core of the heat exchanger and may build up over time, resulting in restricted airflow and reduced heat transfer. Overheating of the engine may, therefore, occur when the accumulation of dirt and other particles on the heat exchanger core is sufficient to prevent proper heat transfer.

The heat exchanger core may become exceptionally clogged with debris before an operator addresses the need for cleaning. In addition, the location of the heat exchanger core may preclude adequate cleaning. As a result, the engine may operate for extended periods of time at temperatures greater than desired. This may lead to a reduction in the life and efficiency of the engine.

Some heat exchangers include self-cleaning features. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,076,072 teaches a heat exchanger having pivotally mounted cooling modules that have a self-cleaning capability. Specifically, at a first position, the surfaces of the modules are lying at an angle with respect to the adjacent modules to increase the surface exposed to the cooling air. In a second position, the surfaces are rotated to expose the opposite surface to the flow of air. The reversal of the direction of airflow through the module or core will clean the debris from the heat exchanger. While this reference provides for ambient air and, possibly, fan driven air to clean surfaces of the heat exchanger core, it does not provide for pressurized cleaning for machines that operate in harsh environments, such as, for example, landfills.

The present disclosure is directed to one or more of the problems set forth above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, a machine having a heat exchanger system includes a heat exchanger guard including first and second sidewalls. The first sidewall is adjacent a core of the heat exchanger system. A first slot adapter is positioned over an opening formed in the first sidewall. The first slot adapter is vertically oriented and includes a first slot opening for receiving a compressed air cleaning wand therethrough. A cover is fixedly attached to the first slot adapter and is movable between an open position and a closed position.

In another aspect, a method of cleaning a core of a heat exchanger system of a machine includes steps of shutting off an engine of the machine and moving a cover of a first slot adapter to an open position. The first slot adapter includes an elongated opening therethrough. The method further includes steps of inserting a compressed air cleaning wand through the first slot adapter opening and moving debris away from the core with pressurized air introduced through the compressed air cleaning wand.

In another aspect, a slot adapter for use with a machine having a heat exchanger system includes a plate having an opening therethrough. The plate is positioned over an opening in a sidewall of a heat exchanger guard. The plate opening is sized for receiving a compressed air cleaning wand therethrough and is further sized to prevent entry of hands through the plate opening. A guide member extends from the plate for guiding the compressed air cleaning wand. A cover is fixedly attached to the slot adapter and is pivotable at a first end thereof between an open position and a closed position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side diagrammatic view of a machine having a slot adapter according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a front end of the machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front diagrammatic perspective view of a slot adapter according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a back diagrammatic perspective view of a slot adapter according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of a machine having two slot adapters according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged partial side view of the machine of FIG. 1 showing a slot adapter cover according to the present disclosure; and

FIG. 7 is a partial schematic view of a machine having two slot adapters with compressed air cleaning wands inserted at various angles therethrough.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An exemplary embodiment of a machine 10 is shown generally in FIG. 1. The machine 10 may be a waste handling track type tractor, as shown, or any other vehicle having a heat exchanger system 20 (not shown). The heat exchanger system is located at a front end 12 of the machine 10 and is enclosed by a heat exchanger guard 14. The heat exchanger guard 14 includes at least one slot adapter 16, shown later in greater detail.

The heat exchanger system, shown generally at 20, can be seen in greater detail in FIG. 2. The heat exchanger system 20 may include an air to air aftercooler 22, a water cooling system 24, and a hydraulic oil cooler 26, all occupying a common plane and defining a core of the heat exchanger system. Although three heat exchangers are shown, those skilled in the art will appreciate that any number and type of heat exchangers may be used.

The heat exchanger system 20 is enclosed by heat exchanger guard 14. The heat exchanger guard 14 includes a first sidewall 28 and a second sidewall 30. The first sidewall 28 includes slot adapter 16, which is vertically oriented with respect to the sidewall. The slot adapter 16 includes a slot adapter plate 32 and a slot adapter cover 34. The slot adapter plate 32 is positioned over an opening through the sidewall 28. The slot adapter plate 32 and slot adapter cover 34 may each be made of a metal, such as steel, or any other desired material.

As shown in FIG. 3, the slot adapter plate 32 has a generally rectangular shape and includes an elongated slot opening 40 therethrough. Openings 42, 44, 46, and 48 may be provided for receiving bolts, pins, or other fastening devices used to secure the slot adapter plate 32 to the first sidewall 28. It should be appreciated that the slot adapter plate 32 may be bolted, welded, glued, or otherwise rigidly affixed to the sidewall 28.

As shown in FIG. 4, a back side 50 of the slot adapter plate 32 may include a lip 52 extending from the plate 32 along a perimeter of the opening 40. When positioned with respect to the sidewall 28, the lip 52 will extend into the opening through the sidewall 28. Although the lip 52 is not a required feature of the slot adapter plate 32, it may assist in positioning and further securing the slot adapter plate to the sidewall 28. In addition, a guide member 54 may extend from the slot adapter plate 32 or, if desired, from the lip 52 and may extend toward the core of the heat exchanger system 20. Guide member 54 may assist in guiding a cleaning wand away from undesirable areas, such as an air circulation fan.

The heat exchanger guard 14 may include more than one slot adapter, as shown in FIG. 5. For example, sidewall 28 is shown having slot adapter plate 32 and a second slot adapter plate 60. The slot adapter plates 32 and 60 may be vertically aligned or otherwise arranged, as desired. Although slot adapter covers are not shown in FIG. 5, it is preferred that covers are provided. Additional slot adapters may be provided on sidewall 28, sidewall 30, or a combination of both.

A sample slot adapter cover, such as, for example, slot adapter cover 34, can be seen in greater detail in FIG. 6. The slot adapter cover is fixedly attached to the slot adapter plate 32 (FIG. 2) and includes two fasteners 70 and 72. Fastener 70 may be a bolt, screw, or other fastener capable of being loosened or tightened. A loosened position of fastener 70 may allow the slot adapter cover 34 to be movable about fastener 72. In a tightened position, however, fastener 70 secures the slot adapter cover 34 to slot adapter plate 32.

Fastener 72 may also be a bolt, screw, or other fastener that is capable of being loosened and tightened, but is not permanently removable. The fastener 72 may be loosened to allow the slot adapter cover 34 to move away from the slot adapter plate 32. With both fasteners 70 and 72 in loosened positions, the slot adapter cover may be pulled away from the slot adapter plate 32 and may be rotated about fastener 72 to expose the opening 40. “Fixedly attached,” therefore, means allowing the cover 34 to be moveable for exposing and covering slot opening 40 (FIGS. 3 and 4), while preventing removal thereof.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

Referring to FIGS. 1-6, a machine 10, such as a waste handling track type tractor, includes a heat exchanger system 20. The heat exchanger system 20 is located at a front end 12 of the machine 10 and is enclosed by a heat exchanger guard 14. The heat exchanger system 20 includes an air to air aftercooler 22, a water cooling system 24, and a hydraulic oil cooler 26, all occupying a common plane and defining a core of the heat exchanger system. Because these machines operate in such harsh environments, namely landfills, a significant amount of dust and other airborne particles can be directed by the fan of the machine 10 through the core of the heat exchanger system 20. These particles collect on the core of the heat exchanger 20 and may build up over time, resulting in restricted airflow and reduced heat transfer. Overheating of the engine may occur when the buildup of dirt and other particles on the heat exchanger core is sufficient to prevent adequate heat transfer.

Utilizing one or more slot adapters, such as, for example, slot adapter 16, according to the present disclosure provides for pressurized cleaning of the core of the heat exchanger system 20. During routine maintenance or periodically throughout an operating shift of the machine 10, the engine of the machine may be turned off and the core of the heat exchanger system 20 may be cleaned. Fasteners 70 and 72 may be loosened in order to pivot the slot adapter cover 34 about the fastener 72 from a closed position to an open position, and expose the opening 40. Since fastener 72 is not removable, the risk of misplacing the cover 34 during cleaning is greatly reduced.

Once the opening 40 is exposed, a compressed air cleaning wand may be inserted through the opening and into the core of the heat exchanger system 20. The opening 40 may be sized to allow insertion of the cleaning wand, but to prevent entry of hands through the opening. A first cleaning wand 80 and, in instances where two slot adapters are used, a second cleaning wand 86 are shown inserted through slot adapter plates 32 and 60, respectively, in FIG. 7. The cleaning wand 80 is shown at a first position and may be movable to a second position 82 (shown in phantom), a third position 84 (shown in phantom), and any other positions in order to effectively clean the entire surface of the core of the heat exchanger system 20. Similarly, the cleaning wand 86 is shown at a first position and may be movable to various other positions, such as, for example, a second position 88 and a third position 90, both shown in phantom.

Utilizing two vertically aligned slot adapters, such as, for example, slot adapter plate 32 and 60, allows for increased cleaning of an entire surface of the heat exchanger core. Specifically, the first cleaning wand 80 may be moved to allow a nozzle 92 of the wand to be positioned adjacent various portions of the core, whereas the second cleaning wand 86 may be moved to allow a nozzle 94 of the second wand to be positioned adjacent various other portions of the core not easily accessed by the first wand. For example, the nozzle 92 of the first cleaning wand 80 may be positioned adjacent top portions of the surface of the core, while the nozzle 94 of the second cleaning wand 86 may be positioned adjacent bottom portions of the surface of the core.

Each slot adapter may be provided with a guide member, such as, guide member 54 to restrict movement of the cleaning wand, such as, for example, cleaning wands 80 and 86. For example, it may be desirable to prevent the cleaning wands 80 and 86 from contacting a fan 96 of the heat exchanger system 20, wherein the fan is located adjacent the core of the heat exchanger system. In alternative embodiments it may be desirable to restrict or limit movement of the cleaning wands 80 and 86 away from various other components of the machine 10.

Pressurized air or, alternatively, pressurized water, is introduced through each cleaning wand 80 and 86 to remove dust and debris. The dust and debris are moved through and directed away from the heat exchanger system 20 by air, or water, directed through the cleaning wands 80 and 86. After cleaning, the cleaning wands 80 and 86 may be removed from the core of the heat exchanger system 20 through the slot adapter plates 32 and 60. Slot adapter covers, such as cover 34, may be rotated back over the opening 40 from the open position to the closed position, and may be secured by tightening fasteners 70 and 72.

It should be understood that the above description is intended for illustrative purposes only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way. Thus, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other aspects of the invention can be obtained from a study of the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims. 

1. A machine having a heat exchanger system, comprising: a heat exchanger guard including first and second sidewalls, wherein the first sidewall is adjacent a core of the heat exchanger system; a first slot adapter positioned over an opening formed in the first sidewall, wherein the first slot adapter is vertically oriented and includes a first slot opening for receiving a compressed air cleaning wand therethrough; and a cover fixedly attached to the first slot adapter and movable between an open position and a closed position.
 2. The machine of claim 1, wherein the first slot opening is sized to prevent entry of hands through the first slot opening.
 3. The machine of claim 1, wherein the first slot adapter further includes a guide member extending from the first sidewall toward the core for restricting movement of the compressed air cleaning wand.
 4. The machine of claim 3, further including a fan, wherein the guide member guides the compressed air cleaning wand away from the fan.
 5. The machine of claim 1, further including a second slot adapter positioned over an opening formed in the second sidewall, wherein the second slot adapter is vertically oriented and includes a second slot opening for receiving a compressed air cleaning wand therethrough.
 6. The machine of claim 1, further including a second slot adapter positioned over a second opening formed in the first sidewall, wherein the second slot adapter is vertically oriented and includes a second slot opening for receiving a compressed air cleaning wand therethrough.
 7. The machine of claim 6, wherein the first slot adapter and the second slot adapter are vertically aligned.
 8. The machine of claim 1, wherein the heat exchanger system includes at least one of a water cooler, a hydraulic oil cooler, and an air to air aftercooler.
 9. The machine of claim 8, wherein the heat exchanger system includes a water cooler, a hydraulic oil cooler, and an air to air aftercooler.
 10. The machine of claim 9, wherein the water cooler, hydraulic oil cooler, and air to air aftercooler occupy a common plane.
 11. The machine of claim 1, wherein the machine is a waste handling track type tractor.
 12. A method of cleaning a core of a heat exchanger system of a machine, comprising: shutting off an engine of the machine; moving a cover of a first slot adapter to an open position, wherein the first slot adapter includes an elongated opening therethrough; inserting a compressed air cleaning wand through the first slot adapter opening; and moving debris away from the core with pressurized air introduced through the compressed air cleaning wand.
 13. The method of claim 12, further including: moving a cover of a second slot adapter to an open position, wherein the second slot adapter includes an elongated opening therethrough; inserting a compressed air cleaning wand through the second slot adapter opening; and moving debris away from the core with pressurized air introduced through the compressed air cleaning wand.
 14. The method of claim 13, further including: moving the compressed air cleaning wand inserted through the first slot adapter to position a nozzle of the wand adjacent top portions of a surface of the core; and moving the compressed air cleaning wand inserted through the second slot adapter to position a nozzle of the wand adjacent bottom portions of the surface of the core.
 15. The method of claim 12, further including guiding the compressed air cleaning wand with a guide member of the first slot adapter.
 16. The method of claim 12, wherein the pivoting step further includes loosening a threaded fastener on an end of the cover.
 17. The method of claim 12, further including pivoting the cover of the first slot adapter to a closed position.
 18. The method of claim 12, further including sizing the first slot adapter opening to prevent entry of hands through the first slot adapter opening.
 19. A slot adapter for use with a machine having a heat exchanger system, comprising: a plate having an opening therethrough, wherein the plate is positioned over an opening in a sidewall of a heat exchanger guard; wherein the plate opening is sized for receiving a compressed air cleaning wand therethrough and is further sized to prevent entry of hands through the plate opening; a guide member extending from the plate for guiding the compressed air cleaning wand; and a cover fixedly attached to the slot adapter and pivotable at a first end thereof between an open position and a closed position.
 20. The slot adapter of claim 19, further including a threaded fastener positioned at a second end of the cover for restricting movement of the cover. 